Scrum

Apologies for any mistakes here but I am not very technically minded, but here goes.

I recently had my engine management pack in on my 99 STI V causing my car to limp home in safe mode.

I was told that a build up of static had caused damage in the engine management system cuasing the engine to burn too rich a fuel mixture, which had in turn had knackered the catalytic converter. Has anyone come across this before?

I have been recomended to get a GEMS EM55 engine management system fitted, has anyone had any experience of these?

Mike Tuckwood

This sounds highly unlikey, I've not heard of it before EVER, especially the Static build up line!

Who told you that was the cause?

I have a spare ECU you could try if you like? Give me a ring, if I can help, I will. (0115) 913 3199.


Mike.

Bob Rawle

This will most likely be down to mass air flow meter failure, unplug it and see if the car drives the same, if so thats it. Maybe someone has one that you could substitute to prove the point, its a fairly frequent happening on this MY of car. they are not cheap but are cheaper than a replacement ecu, like Mike I have never heard or come across an ecu failing due to static.

Rich running is a result of the maf not working and the ecu running the car from its default settings in limp home mode.

As a suggestion in the hope that it is the problem.

Scrum

Cheers for the info guys..

I spoke to the guy looking after my car yesterday (he is a mate who runs his own garage) and he had been having problems interpretting the error codes from the ECU. (He said it wasn't on the disc he had got for imports) He has now got the correct codes and said it was the hot film air flow meter (5 Pin) (Spot on Bob). So far he has been qouted between £250 and £400 for this part, anybody know of the best place to get one?

I don't think he was trying to rip me off, he is a good mate who I trust but I think he was mis-informed by the people he was getting advice from.

MIKE - Do you mind if I pass on your phone number? I'm afraid I wouldn't be able to help that much. Computers I know, engines I haven't got a clue as yet!

Mike Tuckwood

No problem, they are not uncommon to fail and often do so with a wide range of different symptoms. Feel free to pass my phone No. on, if I can help I will.